SUBMISSIONS

Please take a look at our current list before submitting, as we receive far too many manuscripts that do not align with the kinds of books we publish. This saves everyone time and ensures we give full attention to the submissions that truly fit our vision.

WHAT WE PUBLISH

We welcome submissions in fiction and nonfiction, with a focus on:

• Immigrant Voices – Stories of migration, belonging, identity, and reinvention.

• Women’s Fiction – Narratives that explore the depth and diversity of women’s lives.

• African Literary & Commercial Fiction – Both groundbreaking and accessible stories rooted in African realities.

• Historical Fiction – Works that reimagine or revisit Africa’s past and its global intersections.

• Adventure Fiction – Page-turning tales of discovery, risk, and human spirit.

• Cosy Crime – Character-driven mysteries that intrigue without excessive violence.

• Self-Help & Personal Growth – Practical, inspiring guides that empower readers to live better.

• Art & Design – Works that celebrate creativity, aesthetics, and visual culture.

• Experimental & Poetic Prose – Writing that breaks form, blends genres, and takes creative risks.

We seek culturally vibrant, politically engaged, and intergenerational storytelling. Whether literary, commercial, or experimental, we are committed to works with substance, soul, and story.

Submissions are welcome from anywhere in the world. We only publish books in the English language. We accept submissions from agents, previously published authors (including self-published authors) with long backlists, first-time writers with only one book under their belt, and anyone in between.

We will only look at non-fiction, YA fiction, children's fiction, or erotica in exceptional cases. If these are your genres, we are probably not the publisher for you.

Oba Kunta Octopus accepts unsolicited queries—by email only. If you have a manuscript you believe aligns with our vision, please send a query addressed to Brian Lore, Editor-in-Chief. Should we be interested in reading your manuscript, we will reach out to you directly.

Please understand that we are unable to respond to inquiries about the status of submissions.

BEYOND PUBLISHING

We welcome submissions from authors, publishers, and creatives seeking professional book design, editing, and publishing support. Our team specializes in cover design, interior formatting, proofreading, and self-publishing consulting for print and digital platforms including Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Blurb. Whether you’re preparing a novel, memoir, poetry collection, or nonfiction title, Oba Kunta Octopus helps bring your manuscript to market with polished, industry-ready design and publishing solutions. Submit your project today and let’s create a book that stands out.

Submissions Address:
Send all queries to: submissions@obakunta.com